Veteran Italian icon Gianluigi Buffon will depart Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer after turning down a contract extension the Paris Club, as he seeks new challenges after a year in.
The 41-year-old goalkeeper who joined the French giants last year on a free transfer from Juventus, made 25 appearances in all competitions as Thomas Tuchel's team won Ligue 1 is set to depart the club according to an official statement from the club website.
"Following joint discussions, Paris Saint-Germain and Gianluigi Buffon have agreed to not renew the legendary goalkeeper's contract which expires on 30 June 2019,"
The 2006 World Cup winner revealed in an Instagram post that
"PSG proposed a contract renewal that I did not feel like accepting, driven by the desire to prepare myself for new experiences and new professional challenges,"
"Thank you all for everything I have had the opportunity to experience in Paris,"
"Twelve months ago, I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain filled with enthusiasm, welcomed by the incredible warmth of the fans. It was really moving. Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart. I leave happy to have enjoyed this experience which has undoubtedly helped me to grow.
"Today my adventure outside Italy comes to an end. I would like to thank the chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the whole club and my teammates. I wish you all the best, convinced that together you will write the pages of a wonderful story.
"Ernest Hemingway wrote that there are only two places in the world where people can live happily: at home and in Paris. Today onwards, this will also apply to me: Paris, in some way, will always remain my home... Allez Paris! Thank you and good luck with everything!”
